Melkweg

2026年8月17日

TOC

History and Development of Melkweg

Melkweg, meaning ‘Milky Way’ in Dutch, is a renowned music venue and cultural center located in Amsterdam, Netherlands. Established in 1970, it is situated near Leidseplein on Lijnbaansgracht and is housed in a building with a rich history. Originally built as a sugar refinery in the 19th century, the building was later acquired by OVVV in 1920 and functioned as a milk factory until its closure in 1969. The following year, Cor Schlösser and others reopened it as a cultural center, marking its first event on July 17, 1970. Initially, it operated only during the summer, featuring a café, a restaurant, and a hall for music and theatre. The success of these events led to its reopening in the summers of 1971 and 1972, eventually becoming a year-round venue in 1973.

Throughout the 1980s, Melkweg shifted its focus more towards live music, and in 1985, it expanded its cultural offerings by opening a photo gallery. The venue’s capacity and facilities continued to grow, with the opening of ‘The Max’ in 1995, initially accommodating 1,000 people and later expanded to 1,500 in 2007. By 2010, Melkweg was attracting 400,000 visitors annually and had welcomed an estimated 9 million guests since its inception.

Impact on Music and Culture

Melkweg has played a significant role in the live music scene, hosting numerous notable events. In October 1980, U2 performed their first concert outside of Ireland and the UK at this venue. The following year, The Grateful Dead played two impromptu shows using borrowed instruments. Nirvana, still on the brink of fame, performed here in November 1989, and in 1994, Rammstein played to a modest audience of 40 people. Tiësto’s live performance on June 23, 2000, was recorded for his album ‘Magik Six: Live in Amsterdam.’ In 2011, Prince surprised fans with a last-minute show, and in 2026, DJ HI.Ø made his Netherlands debut during a special event at Melkweg for Amsterdam’s World Pride.

Beyond music, Melkweg serves as a versatile cultural hub, hosting film screenings, theatre plays, and art exhibitions. It comprises six halls, including ‘The Max’ with a capacity of 1,500, the ‘Old Hall’ with a capacity of 700, and the ‘Rabo Hall’ which accommodates 1,400 guests. Smaller spaces like the Theater Hall, Cinema, and Exhibition space cater to diverse artistic expressions, making Melkweg a cornerstone of Amsterdam’s cultural landscape.